John Gay
John Gay
John Gaywas an English poet and dramatist and member of the Scriblerus Club. He is best remembered for The Beggar's Opera, a ballad opera. The characters, including Captain Macheath and Polly Peachum, became household names...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth30 June 1685
fate envy common
One common fate we both must prove; You die with envy, I with love.
marigolds fairs
Fair is the marigold, for pottage meet.
husband two wife
One wife is too much for most husbands to bear, But two at a time there's no mortal can bear.
rain shoes feet
Let firm, well hammer'd soles protect thy feet Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet; Should the big last extend the shoe too wide, Each stone will wrench the unwary step aside; The sudden turn may stretch the swelling vein, The cracking joint unhinge, or ankle sprain; And when too short the modish shoes are worn, You'll judge the seasons by your shooting corn.
heart men ears
If the heart of a man is depressed with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears; Like the notes of a fiddle, she sweetly, sweetly Raises the spirits, and charms our ears.
grieving cold dear
My lodging is on the cold ground, And hard, very hard, is my fare, But that which grieves me more Is the coldness of my dear.
wind sea rocks
Twas when the seas were roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclined.
pride fool distinction
Of all the fools that pride can boast, A Coxcomb claims distinction most.
humble pride men
I cannot raise my worth too high; Of what vast consequence am I! "Not of the importance you suppose," Replies a Flea upon his nose; "Be humble, learn thyself to scan; Know, pride was never made for man.
brother envy pay
Envy's a sharper spur than pay: No author ever spar'd a brother; Wits are gamecocks to one another.
christian sea luxury
What will not luxury taste? Earth, sea, and air, Are daily ransack'd for the bill of fare. Blood stuffed in skins is British Christians' food, And France robs marshes of the croaking brood.
air important tongue
I never, with important air, In conversation overbear. . . . . My tongue within my lips I rein; For who talks much must talk in vain.
cheerful contentment maids
What happiness the rural maid attends, In cheerful labour while each day she spends! She gratefully receives what Heav'n has sent, And, rich in poverty, enjoys content.
blow daisies meadows
Fair is the kingcup that in meadow blows, Fair is the daisy that beside her grows.